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News Release

September 11, 1997

Hitachi Adding New Entry Models M Parallel Series Mainframe Computers

- Strong Java environment support enhances Internet and intranet basic server capability -

Hitachi, Ltd. today annouced that it will on September 16 reinforce its lineup of M Parallel mainframe systems with the addition of five new MP5600 S entry models to the MP5600 processor group.

The new models will be provided with Internet and intranet mission- critical server functionality in the third quarter of 1998, when Hitachi plans to release a powered-up version of the VOS3/FS operating system with strong Java support.

"A fresh appreciation that mainframe computers offer high reliability, high-speed performance and superior operation management capability at low total cost is emerging," says Toshihiko Odaka, Board Director and General Manager of the General Purpose Computer Division at Hitachi, adding that "mainframes are expected to fill a new role as basic intranet and Internet servers that can provide support for the World Wide Web, Java, distributed objects and other new technologies."

Jon Kannegaard, vice president of software products at JavaSoft, a business unit of Sun Microsystems, Inc., welcomed Hitachi's move. "We are pleased about Hitachi's announcement today that it will provide the Java Runtime Environment for its VOS3/FS," Kannegaard said. "Hitachi's VOS3/FS offers Java functionality ranging from downloading Java applets to web browsers to transaction processing from Java applets, and now with the Java Runtime Environment, the VOS3/FS will enable even further Java functionality."

Hitachi has steadily reinforced its mainframe lineup. In April 1995 it released the MP5800 processor group, which includes the world's fastest mainframe systems, and followed in April 1996 with the release of the MP5600 processor group, made up of systems that use CMOS technology throughout to achieve outstanding scalability and cost-performance. Higher performance models were added to both groups in May this year.

Hitachi has been also providing stronger support from both the software and SI technology sides, such as by consolidating in July 1997 the distributed object technologies expected to be the foundation of next-generation systems.

The five newly announced MP5600 S models extend from the low-end 20S, with about 0.5 times the performance of the current low-end 120, to the high end 100S. This makes it possible to respond precisely to a broad range of small system needs. Internal installation of disk assemblies and LAN adapters optimizes the speed and reliability of mainstream business processing while ensuring compact unit size.

Hitachi intends to offer enhanced support for new information system environments by providing a new version of the VOS3/FS operating system that has strong Java links for running applications developed using Java and that also incorporates distributed object technologies.

Hitachi, Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is one of the world's leading global electronics companies, with fiscal 1996 (ending March 31, 1997) consolidated sales of 8,523 billion yen (68.7 billion dollar). The company manufactures and markets a wide range of products, including computers, semiconductors, consumer products and power and industrial equipment. For more information on Hitachi, Ltd., please visit Hitachi 's Web site at http://www.hitachi.co.jp.
* At an exchange rate of 124 yen to the dollar.

Charges & Availability
1. Processors
(1) MP5600 S Processor Group models
Charge (per month): From 2.8 million yen (Model 20S)
Availability:December 1997

(2) Internal disk assemblies
Charge (per month):From 670,000 yen
Availability:June 1998

2. Printer
(1) H-6257 Page Printer
Charge (per month):From 2.045 million yen
Availability:December 1997

3. Software
(1) VOS3/FS - JSS3/JSS4
Charge (per month):693,000 yen/765,000 yen
Availability:December 1997
(MP5600 S Models and H-6257 Page Printer supported)

- Version supporting Java environment to be available in the third quarter of 1998.
- License charge by usage tier will be applied with respect to VOS3/FS system products. The charges shown here are monthly charges when using an MP5600/20S processor.

4. M Parallel System Solutions
(1) MP System Basic Installation Service
Pricing:From 5 million yen (for MP5600 S models)
Availability:December 1997 (for MP5600 S models)

(2) MP System Basic Maintenance Service
Charge (per month):From 1.41 million yen (for MP5600 S models)
Availability:December 1997 (for MP5600 S models)

Note: Java and all Java-based trademarks and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries.


WRITTEN BY Secretary's Office
All Rights Reserved, Copyright (C) 1997, Hitachi, Ltd.